“The winter storm watch was just upgraded to a blizzard warning.”

“Mr. President, I’m sorry to interrupt, but we’ve received word from the National Weather Service that the capital region is under a blizzard warning, beginning later tonight,” Brant said. “We’d like to get you back to the White House so you aren’t stuck here in an emergency.”

Nick wanted to weep. Even though Sam was in DC, he wasn’t in any great rush to leave the tranquility or fresh air at Camp David. He’d spent the afternoon sledding with the kids, and just being outside was such an incredible gift. “When are you looking to go?”

“Within the hour.”

It was all he could do not to throw a two-year-old tantrum. “I’ll rally the kids.”

“Thank you, Mr. President.”

Nick got up and went into the bedroom Eli and Scotty were sharing. They each had one of the twins in bed with them as they watched Elf for the tenth time this holiday season. “Guys, I hate to say it, but they want to take us back to the White House because of a blizzard warning.”

When the four of them moaned at the news, Skippy raised her head off the floor to see what was going on.

“Let’s get packed up.”

“Can we come back soon?” Scotty asked.

“God, I hope so,” Nick said.

He received a text from Sam letting him know the press were on the trail of him giving her a ride home from Camp David in Marine One and asking questions. He passed that on to his communications team to deal with.

Nick, the kids, Scotty and the others in their party boarded Marine One just over an hour later, along with Harry, Lilia, Terry and other staffers and Secret Service agents for the ride back to DC.

“Might be a few bumps, Mr. President,” Taco said when he greeted them. “We’ve got some low clouds to contend with.”

“It’s a good thing the first lady isn’t with us,” Nick said.

“No kidding,” Scotty said. “She hates to fly.”

Skippy jumped into his lap for the ride home.

“Don’t worry about a thing,” Taco said. “We’ll get you home safe.”

Five minutes into the flight, as they rocked and rolled through the clouds, Nick was very glad Sam wasn’t with them. He withdrew the secure BlackBerry he used to communicate with her to send a text. Evacuated from paradise due to blizzard warning. On Marine One with the kids. See you at home.

Terry came into the main cabin and took a seat next to Nick. “The FBI has a lead on the bomb. They’ve tracked it to one of your most outspoken critics who firmly believes no one should be living in the people’s house unless they were elected by the people. He has a long track record of violent protest.”